It was also the start of an intense Hawthorn v Carlton rivalry which would see the 2 teams compete for the 2 subsequent Grand Finals with each winning 1 Flag. Today was a disappointing day in that regard, with the powerful Hawks putting the Blues on notice. Reputedly, Carlton's hierarchy were unhappy with the fine debut of Hawthorn's John Platten (a player Carlton had pursued and at one stage thought was theirs) and questioned how he had gotten away.

To rub salt to the wound, Mil Hanna did his knee in the opening minute and was not seen again for over a year.